Short Scale with larger body?
 

I have a Taylor GS Mini and a Taylor 812 ce.
Would it be possible to make a guitar that is a kind of hybrid between these 2?

What I want is a 23 inch scale guitar with a Grand Concert body.

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

I would reach out to Steve Kinnaird and Ryan Middlebrook. They can start with their CS model (based on a larrivee LS, 15.5" lower bout width) and use a 12 fret neck with 22-7/8" scale which is what you described.

Here's an example but with 12 strings.
http://www.stephenkinnaird.com/string7_8_12.html

And a clip. I've thought about a similar idea after owning a gs mini which I had tuned as a terz with 10-47 gauge strings.

A Taylor GT is 24" scale length, so a good compromise.

I have often thought about having a shorter scale guitar built, but with the intent of tuning it up a whole step - even talked with Steve Kinnaird about it, and he was more than willing to take it on. Another good choice would be Rebecca Urlacher, who has built a number of tenor guitars and offers the option of building a 6 string on that body. That may be a smaller body than you want, though.

Have you tried tuning down and capoing up? You may have to try some heavier gauge strings to get more string tension, but that would be a far easier and cheaper solution.

Good luck!

Stan

Yes, I put the capo on the 2nd fret and tune down. That's how I'm currently playing it.

There are 3 disadvantages
1. The neck connects at the 12th fret and it feels cramped
2. The neck is thicker at the 3rd fret and makes it more difficult to thumb over
3. I lose access to higher frets.

I may stick with this if a custom guitar doesn't work out but I'd prefer a better solution.

Thanks

I built a six string using my tenor shape based on that idea -- as if it was capoed on the second fret and tuned back down to standard. It was a bit of an experiment and thankfully sounded absolutely incredible -- rich, full, and just a resonant little monster! I sold it to a great old friend that also has a very well loved OMish guitar of mine and he expected the "tenor" to be his secondary guitar. He was surprised that for the past few years it's held the top spot! I'll be visiting him for the first time in a few years this weekend and can't wait to give it a try again and see how it's developed.


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...11d15f80_c.jpg

Wow! That is one lovely guitar. :)

Thanks! I did a short build thread about this one for anyone curious to learn more about it...

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...=505716&page=2

This???
 

This just showed up FS. No affiliation with or knowledge of the seller, but it does sound pretty fat in the video linked.


https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=620460

Smaller than your goal, but short scale!

Maybe a custom cutaway 12 fret???

I also suggest talking to John Kinnaird, as he is generally up for a challenge.

Best on your worthy quest!

Paul

You like your Taylors. Have you contacted Taylor or your local dealer about a custom shop guitar with these specs?

Playing with thumbover doesn't work with small hands.